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FRANKFORT, Ky. – A Republican-backed bill on abortion is gaining steam among some House Democrats who sided with the GOP on Wednesday to give it a minor – but symbolic – boost that could eventually lead to passage in this year's legislative session.

The measure, Senate Bill 4, would require women to receive a face-to-face medical consultation at least 24 hours before undergoing an abortion in Kentucky. Current law allows women to complete the briefing by phone.

For years, similar bills have sailed out of the Senate only to be blocked by Democrats in the House Health and Welfare Committee. But Democrats, still uneasy about recent Republican victories at the polls, appear more open to passing the legislation this year.

The House voted 72-11 on Wednesday to suspend rules on the floor and give the bill a first reading. Legislation typically needs a favorable hearing in committee and three readings on the floor before the House takes a final vote.

But Wednesday's margin is the latest sign that at least some Democrats are eager to take an anti-abortion stance as they struggle to maintain control of the House.

House Republican Leader Jeff Hoover said it shows that a clear majority supports the bill and that Democratic leaders should send it to another committee where it will get a "fair" hearing. He said he might call for a second reading on Thursday.

"We are tired of pro-life bills being sent to a committee by House Democratic leadership just to die," Hoover said. "I think if we ever get it to an up or down vote on the floor, this vote here today is indicative – it would pass."

House Speaker Greg Stumbo said the bill will still go to the Health and Welfare Committee, but he acknowledged that supporters could bypass the committee by continuing to suspend the rules on the floor. That would allow for more readings and a final vote, meeting all the constitutional requirements to pass a bill. Committee hearings are only required in House rules.

"I've said the last couple of days that I hear more support for that measure in our caucus than I had in years past," he said. "Obviously, what I've been hearing was pretty well evident today."

Democrats hold only a 50-46 seat majority in the House. Four vacant seats will be filled with special elections in March, and Republicans are jockeying to seize command in the fall elections, if not by March.

Democratic strategist Danny Briscoe said almost everything in the legislature this year will be viewed through the prism of elections. If Democrats defeat the abortion bill, Republicans might use it as a campaign talking point in the fall, he said. But "if it passes, it takes away some of their thunder."

Some Democrats are likely sincere in their support while others may see it as a way to protect their seats, said Rep. Jim Wayne, D-Louisville. He said he views abortion as an "abomination," but voted against Wednesday's procedural motion because he didn't see a need to circumvent House rules.

Meanwhile, Hoover said Republicans hope to expedite the bill, and "whatever options we have to force a vote as soon as we can, that's what we will consider."

Supporters say a face-to-face consultation provides women with a better opportunity to ask questions and gain insight into the procedure. The meeting could be performed by a physician, a licensed nurse, physician assistant or social worker who was delegated the responsibility by a doctor.

Critics, however, argue that the bill would not prevent any abortions and subject women to more travel and medical expenses that could be avoided with advances in telemedicine.

Reporter Mike Wynn can be reached at 502-875-5136 or at mwynn@courier-journal.com.